About me
Neels is a Psychologist, Psychotherapist, and Lived Experience Practitioner with specialist expertise in Therapeutic Communities (TCs), group therapy, and relational care. She works internationally delivering training, supervision, and consultancy across mental health, homelessness, and addiction services, and assesses therapeutic environments for quality and improvement. Alongside Dr Rex Haigh and Nick Benefield, Neels co-founded the Relational Practice Movement, and they launched a Manifesto in July 2023 at the Royal College of Psychiatrists in London. Drawing on over 25 years of research and practice, the Movement advocates for relational care and systemic change across all public services.
Neels has worked extensively with psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and complex multi-diagnosis presentations, supporting individuals and services to explore therapeutic approaches beyond or alongside pharmaceuticals. She is an active researcher and writer, and advocates at international conferences for mental health systems that move beyond diagnostic labels toward more inclusive, responsive, and person-centred care.
